Dr. Duffy is an Independent Researcher specializing in Local Government matters, including resilience and adaptation planning, fiscal planning, and other activities. He is a Visiting Professor at the National University of Mongolia, Department of Public Administration where he presently teaches Public Policy, Policy Analysis, Global Governance as well as lectures on topics of student interest. He is a former professor with the University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA), College of Business and Public Policy where he taught graduate level coursework in the areas of program evaluation and performance measurement, public policy analysis, executive communication skills, and executive managerial skills.
Dr. Duffy has over 30-years’ experience in local government; serving in Alaska at the senior executive level. Some of the highlights of John’s local government service include: serving as borough manager (head of government) and the funding and construction of capital projects in excess of $750 million, to include major transportation, water/sewer and school projects. During John’s time in local government he prepared numerous comprehensive, community-based and functional plans (e.g., transportation) as well as special purpose plans such as lake management and economic development plans. He is author of numerous land use regulations, two of which, Coal-bed Methane Development and Electrical Power Plant have become templates used by other local governments in the U.S.
John also works in international settings. He has provided technical assistance to the Okakarara local government in Namibia and is presently working with the Open Society Forum, Mongolia on civil society and capacity building matters. John has received an Honorary Doctorate of Public Administration from the National University of Mongolia (NUM) for his work and contributions to NUM and Mongolia. Also, as part of his work with NUM, John provides professional development training to senior staff of various aimags (states) in Mongolia in the areas of management, policy development and implementation, capital improvement planning, performance measurement and program evaluation
John’s work experience also includes leadership positions on numerous non-profit boards of directors. In addition, Dr. Duffy served on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Local Government Advisory Committee where he chaired the Indicators and Military workgroups. These workgroups provided advice to EPA on environmental metrics, climate change, and issues related to formally used defense sites. John served on EPA’s Committee responsible for developing advice on the environmental protocols of North American Free Trade Agreement.
Dr. Duffy’s doctorate is from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in Natural Resources and Sustainability. John’s research interests include: local government efforts in the areas of climate change, disaster resilience and adaptive development, leadership development, performance measurement and program evaluation and high-performance organizations. John maintains professional certifications from the International City/County Managers Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners.
John is also very active in the non-governmental sector having served on numerous non-governmental boards. He is presently the President-of the International Chapter, American Society for Public Administration.
Vitae
Awards
Graduate Student Professor of the Year 2024 – 2025, University of Alaska, Anchorage, College of Business and Public Policy
Nairamdal Medal, (The Medal of Friendship), conferred by President Khaltmaagiin Battulga of Mongolia by Decree No.104
Doctor Honoris Causa, School of International Relations and Public Administration, National University of Mongolia
The D. Grant Mickle Award in recognition of a paper entitled “Management of Transit Bus Pre?Run Inspections” National Research Council, Transportation Research Board
Resilience and Adaptation Program Fellowship, National Science Foundation
PHI KAPPA PHI and Golden Key Honor Societies
Outstanding Commitment to Conservation & Community Planning, Alaska Center for the Environment
Honorary Commander Emeritus, 3rd Wing, U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense
